Adams State College welcomes New Employees

(10-13-2009)

Adams State College welcomes the following employees who joined the campus. If someone you know is not listed please call the Office of Communications at 587-7827.

Anicia Alvarez

Anicia Alvarez, assistant professor of teacher education, has a Ph.D. in science education from Purdue University; Master of Arts in science education and in early childhood education. She was principle at Ferndale International School; senior specialist and curriculum specialist at University Bruner Darussalam; curriculum specialist at Western Mindanao State University and vice-president of Academic Affairs at Universidad de Zamboanga. In 2006, she received Outstanding Principle Award and has specialties in teacher training and education, and is a science education curriculum specialist. She and her husband, Benjamin, have three children, Leilanie, Patricia and Carlo, and along with seven grandchildren. Anicia hobbies and interests include gardening and cooking.

Jan Byers-Kirsch

Jan Byers-Kirsch, assistant professor of teacher education, education background includes Ed.D from Boise State University in curriculum and institution literacy; M.Ed. from the College of Idaho in elementary education and a bachelor's from Boise State University in elementary education. She has been an adjunct instructor, elementary and middle school teacher, Title 1 coordinator, Department of Education, school-to-work manager, newspaper in education coordinator, and warden's assistant at Minimum Security Prison-All in Idaho. Jan's specialties include literacy, reading Title 1 programs, and para-educator. She received honors as a Chamber of Commerce & Community leader and volunteer, and Idaho Education Association Leader and Lobbyist. She and her husband, Russ, have three children, two step-children and five step-grandchildren. Jan's interests and hobbies include downhill skiing, camping, gardening, reading, politics and self-efficacy.

Priscilla Gardea

Priscilla Gardea, admissions counselor, received her Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in women's studies and history from Adams State in 2006; and a Master of Science, from Colorado State University in student affairs in higher education in 2009. As an undergraduate, Priscilla held various student leader positions on campus in addition to working with the Educational Talent Search Program. In graduate school, she served as the transitions graduate assistant in the Office of Orientation and Transition Program at CSU and served as coordinator for the Summer Bridge Program, her two years at ASC. Most of her family lives in El Paso, TX. Priscilla’s interests include gender studies and social justice, biking, reading, attending concerts and scrap booking.

Adam Houdeshell

Adam Houdeshell, assistant coach for women's basketball, education background includes a Bachelor of Science a Master in Education from Southwest Minnesota State University. Adam was head coach at Presentation College for four years and an assistant coach with SMSU. His fiancee is Callie Antonsen.

Stephanie Housand

Stephanie Housand, visiting professor of theatre, received her Bachelor of Arts in theatre and communications from Adams State and a Master of Fine Arts in theatre from Minnesota State University. She has been a shop foreman and paint charge on You Want What? Production Inc., and has a TV credit for the Big Green Rabbit on PBS. She received the KCACTF winner for scene design and RMTA acting finalist in 1999 and 2001. She and her husband, Tim, also an ASC graduate, have one daughter, Ysabella, who she describes as her clone. Stephanie's interests and hobbies include building, painting, acting, watching anime, fixing cars, and reading books to her daughter.

Brad Kahrs

Brad Kahrs, assistant professor of teacher education, received his Bachelor of Science at Grand Valley State University, Master of Arts from Western Michigan University and pending in Ed. D from Walden University. He previously worked in secondary mathematics. Brad had received five-time Michigan cross country coach of the year. He and his wife have two daughters and a son.

Catherine-Ann H. LaRoche

Catherine-Ann H. LaRoche, residence director, received her Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in sports administration from the University of Louisville, Louisville, Ken. Her previous experiences include sports editor for the Louisville Cardinal, Student Government Association, National Residence Hall Honorary, Resident Student Association, as well as retail work at Target and Bath and Body Works. Honors include first place in sports story, SPJ; Miller Hall RA of the Year, U of L, staff member of the year, Cardinal; best sports feature - honorable mention, KPA; Student of the Year, U of L. Her interests include sports, especially collegiate; journalism, newspaper; scrapbooking, photography, reading, music, movies, and shopping.

Jeanie O'Laughlin

Jeanie O'Laughlin, assistant professor of business, has a Bachelors of Science in accounting and a Masters of Business Administration in marketing from California State University; and a PhD in higher education in administration from Claremont Graduate University. Her previous employments include being a CPA, controller, treasurer and the director of budgeting and finance manager. Jeanie received outstanding faculty from DWU. She and her husband have two sons. She loves quilting, reading and going on walks.

Michelle Reed

Michelle Reed, assistant women's soccer coach, has a Bachelor in Arts in chemistry with a mathematics minor from Adams State. Michelle played soccer at ASC for five years and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Michelle has many interests and hobbies including skiing, tennis, reading and attending church.

Marcy Romero

Marcy Romero, custodian for Facilities Services, has worked in flooring and custodial work for 15 years. Marcy has one son, James, and enjoys auto-mechanics and carpentry.

Rebecca Sturdy

Rebecca Sturdy, women's head swimming coach/ assistant sports information director, has a Bachelor of Science in sports management with minors in business and history from Texas A&M. She received 8-time All-American, nine-time Big 12 Champion, school record holder, and All-Academic. Rebecca enjoys reading, snow skiing, hiking and cooking.

Ernesto Villasealor

Ernesto Villasealor, assistant football coach, graduated from Adams State College with a Bachelor of Arts in history.